Category Archives: News

News

Toyota is developing a new engine

Toyota engineers are working intensively on the development of a new engine that could become more popular than the powerful 2JZ straight six. It is an engine that will power Toyota and Lexus cars.

The new engine is part of a family of 1.5- and 2.0-liter inline-four engines, each of which will be optimized for hybrid or plug-in hybrid assistance and compatible with alternative fuels, which could give them a chance to live long after of traditional internal combustion engines that are disappearing due to restrictions. In addition to the 400 hp four-cylinder engine, a 300 hp version will also be available, meaning Toyota will have a great choice of powertrains ready for the upcoming MR2 and Celica models.

Also, a Lexus RC coupe powered by this 600 hp (441 kW) engine, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, is currently being tested. Although Lexus has not released any information about this car, the first information came from a Japanese journalist, who had the opportunity to see the IS sedan equipped with a version of the same engine, but with 400 hp (294 kW) and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Engineers claim it’s only a motorsport project, but it seems possible that Lexus could fit the new engine into the production coupe. Whether a manual gearbox will also be installed in the new cars remains to be seen, as Lexus is not known for such gearboxes. However, a simulated manual transmission system for electric cars has been tested, so perhaps there is hope.

Source: The Drive

News

Renault cuts Arkana SUV in 2025

Renault Arkana was introduced in 2021 and quickly became very popular in the compact SUV market, but four years later the French manufacturer decided to end production of this car.

During the short production period, more than 250,000 examples left the production lines, including the XM3, which is the name of the model for the South Korean market. It stood out the most for its coupe SUV style and competitive price, and the decision to end production is surprising because the car was recording good sales results. It also managed to hold its own against rivals like the Peugeot 3008, which helped Renault strengthen its presence in the compact SUV segment.

Following the moves of other manufacturers, the French company also decided to give Arkana its place on the market, as well as the production lines, to some other models. So far, Renault has not announced a direct successor to the Arkana, so there could be a gap in Renault’s range of coupe SUVs, potentially an opportunity for competitors in this popular segment.

At the Busan plant, the new cars will use the platform of Geely, which owns a 34 percent stake in Renault Korea (formerly known as Renault Samsung Motors).

Source: Renault

News

2025 Škoda Elroq will be premiered on October 1

With a new teaser, Škoda announces the arrival of the successor to the Karoq model, the Elroq. It is an electric compact crossover, one of six new electric cars that the Czech manufacturer intends to launch on the market in the next two years.

With this car, Škoda enters a new era of minimalist, lean and functional design. In March, a short video was published showing the silhouette of the SUV with distinctive LED daytime running lights and an illuminated Skoda logo adorning the hood. It will be 4.5 meters long and “an ideal family car with a spacious and very practical interior”.

Elroq is the first Škoda model with a new design under the slogan “Modern Solid”, and it will have its world premiere on October 1 at 19:30 CET. It will be broadcast live on Škoda’s Instagram and TikTok profiles, and the presentation of this model will take place in the center of Prague.

With this model, Škoda is trying to compete with the Peugeot E-3008 and the upcoming all-electric successors of the Citroen C5 Aircross and Opel Grandland. Both models are expected this year.

Source: Škoda